Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has declared that the so-called “Duterte 7” bloc in the Senate is throwing its support behind Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero for the leadership of the 20th Congress—unless Escudero himself opts out of the race.
“In principle, we are going to support Sen. Chiz Escudero as the Senate president,” Dela Rosa said. “Kung halimbawa ayaw ni Chiz na maging Senate president, then our second option is somebody from within that ‘Duterte 7’ ang aming ipu-push.”
The bloc includes Dela Rosa, Senators Bong Go, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Camille Villar, and Mark Villar. Should Escudero step aside, Dela Rosa said potential picks from their group include Marcos, Go, Marcoleta, or Mark Villar.
“Anybody can become Senate president provided he is being supported by 13 senators,” he emphasized.
The support from the Duterte allies comes as former Senate President Vicente Sotto III expresses renewed interest in reclaiming the post. Despite this, Dela Rosa made it clear: “Between Sotto from the veterans’ bloc and Escudero from the present dispensation, we prefer na ipagpatuloy na ni Sen. Chiz yung kanyang liderato.”
Sen. Joel Villanueva also voiced his backing for Escudero, pointing to the Senate’s improved performance under his leadership. “If you look at the performance of the Senate, masyado hong malaki yung difference ng kanyang performance sa Senate president,” said Villanueva, who served as majority leader under Escudero’s predecessor, Sen. Migz Zubiri.
Meanwhile, Dela Rosa confirmed that he will not be attending President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s upcoming State of the Nation Address on July 28. He cited ongoing tensions with the current administration and members of the House of Representatives.
“Alangan naman papunta ko doon na pa-smile-smile kahit na masama ang loob ko sa kanila,” he said.
Although he expressed no expectations from the President’s speech, Dela Rosa said he hopes the address will focus on real solutions to uplift the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
